President Donald Trump has issued executive orders attempting to make significant changes in how states conduct federal elections. And the senate is considering the provisions of the SAVE Act.
But will those efforts have any impact on Erie County voters and polling places in the May 19th primary?
The simple answer according to Erie County Clerk and Clerk of Elections Karen Chillcott is no. And she said that applies to people who vote early, in-person at the polls or by mail ballot.
The SAVE Act requiring proof of citizenship to register, and a photo I-D to vote in federal elections, has passed in the House, but not in the Senate.
And President Trump’s March 31 Executive order attempting to overhaul federal election administration by tightening mail-in voting rules and requiring verification of citizenship faces many legal challenges.
Critics mainly saying that the Constitution grants election administration powers to states and the U.S. Congress, not to the executive branch.
So until any of those questions are resolved in the courts, expect voting here in Erie County to stay the same.
As always, first time voters will need to show ID.
Chillcott will meet with the Erie County Board of Elections Thursday afternoon when they are expected to vote to approve the primary election ballot.
If it’s approved, early in-person voting could begin as early as Friday.
The last day to register to vote in the Pennsylvania primary is May 5.